Wirecast is a great way to switch live. It’s also a great way to record now, edit later. But what if you want to record multiple cameras now, and edit later? I show you two ways you can do that with 4-panel recording.

Advantages of 4-Panel Recording

If you are recording video solo, and have 2 or more cameras to switch from, this allows you to keep your hands off the keyboard/mouse and simply focus on the recording aspect of this. You can do 2 camera, 4 camera, or even more – depending on the power of the computer.

With multi-panel recording, your cameras area already synced up. They also share the same audio, which you could use Wirecast’s Multi-track to record different sources.

If you do any 4-square interviews for podcasts, you can also use this to your advantage by adding the overall shot, or side-by-side shots into the mix.

If you are sending out your video to be edited by someone else, this also can save upload time, and a lot of questions.

Method 1 – Create a 4-Panel Capture to Record from Wirecast

This will take a little bit of thinking, but this will work if you have only one computer, and no hardware. Keep in mind, your computer will be working hard at capturing and recording, so you’ll have to be aware of they type of machine you’re using to do this. If your computer meets only the minimum requirements of Wirecast, you probably won’t be able to do this.

With that said, you’ll now need to figure out whether you want to use 1 Master Layer, or multiple. I highly suggest 1 scene in 1 Master Layer because we’re trying to keep it as simple as possible.

Next, we need to figure out resolution. Keep in mind, when you are recording more than one camera, you want to double the resolution so you can edit back down to the original. That means if you record video in 720p (1280 x 720), you need to double the screen size so you don’t look pixelated in the end (2560×1440). If you publish in 1080p (1920×1080), the screen has to be 3840×2160, or 4k.

Same thing goes with the video output. You will need to create an output setting to match the size and bit rate. I used the 720p 4MB profile and changed to 1440p 16 MB.

Method 2 – Output to Recorder, Another Program

The easier method is to use the monitor configuration, and output to another computer or hardware to record the screen. I do this all the time when I want to record video.

I do this by using an HDMI out to a Blackmagic Design Video Assist. It can capture the audio and video easily, and takes part of the load off the main computer. I can also capture to another computer running Wirecast, vMix, OBS, or a program such as Premiere Pro (if it has a capture option).

In Wirecast, setup all 4 cameras (make sure you also set up sound as desired). Configure the output display to a 4 screen configuration, using the 4 scenes you set up. Make sure you uncheck the option to add labels – you want to only capture sources.

Record, then Edit

Now it’s time to record the video, then edit in your favorite editor. Some programs will have a “Multicam” option, which allows you to switch cameras as you play the file back. You can then go back and make adjustments, add graphics, and finalize the way you need.

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